Jahnard Massey's uncle is sick of the violence that's tearing his city apart.

Massey, an 18-year-old high school student who became the third robbery victim shot in eight days on Tuesday, was working at the Bush & Barnes Barbershop at 915C Montgomery St. when he was wounded.

He stepped outside for a break about 3:30 p.m. when a man approached and demanded money, said his uncle, Hollis Mitchell.

Massey refused to hand over any cash and the two men struggled, Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police spokesman Sgt. Mike Wilson said.

Massey was shot four times: twice in the shoulder, once in the stomach and once in the hip, Mitchell said.

"This is bold. This guy walked up to him and put a gun to his head in broad daylight," Mitchell said. "He gave (him) his necklace and he still got shot four times."

According to police, nothing was taken during the robbery.

Paramedics rushed Massey to Memorial Health University Medical Center, where he was initially listed in critical condition.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Massey remained in good condition at Memorial, according to hospital spokesman Michael Notrica.

"He's doing great. He can talk and he knows who shot him," Mitchell said. "He doesn't know (the suspect's) name, but he has seen his face."

Detectives interviewed Massey Wednesday and learned more details about the shooting, including that there is only one suspect, Wilson said. Police were initially searching for two unidentified black males.

The suspect is described as a light-skinned black male in his late teens or early 20s, 5-foot-10 with a short Afro. He was last seen wearing blue shorts and a light-colored shirt. Massey told officers he has seen the suspect before in the Frazier Homes community.

Police have no suspects.

On Wednesday afternoon, family and friends gathered at Massey's bedside.

Most of Massey's friends promised to hit the streets and avenge the teen's shooting.

"All his friends up there in the hospital were wanting to retaliate. I'm telling them to let police do their job, so it won't be another mother crying like my sister," said Mitchell, a 45-year-old plumber. "They feel police don't care because it's a black kid in the hood.

"I don't want another young kid to lose his life," he said. "It's just sad. You can't blame police because they can't be everywhere."

Mitchell is now trying to let teenagers know that violence is not going to gain them respect or change the stereotypes.

Massey isn't one of those stereotypes, his uncle said.

"He's never been in trouble. It's not drug-related or nothing like that, he just got robbed," he said.

Officers found $179 and a small amount of marijuana in the victim's pockets, according to a police report.

The 18-year-old is supposed to start his senior year at Beach High School. He recently transferred from Jenkins High School.

He started working at the barbershop when he was 12, sweeping hair and cleaning chairs. About two years ago, he got his barber's apprentice license and started cutting hair, Mitchell said.

He plans to graduate from high school, obtain a master barber's license and open his own shop, Mitchell said.

"He works hard for his money," he said. "He's doing positive things and trying to start his own business at 18."

Massey has lived in his own apartment for several years.

On Wednesday, Mitchell left his nephew's bedside to attend his friend's funeral. Mitchell's high school classmate, 46-year-old Ricky Maxwell, was shot and killed during a carjacking on July 18.

"I have lost at least 30 friends or family members by violent death in the last five years," said Mitchell, a cousin of slain rapper Camouflage. "I'm so tired of it."

Jaqwan Dixon, 17, was also shot and killed during a robbery Friday on South Avalon Drive.

Mitchell is asking the community to help find his nephew's shooter and reach out to the young men who have turned to violence.

"Robbery is the new thing in Savannah for young black males. It makes me mad," he said. "Why work? They don't even sell drugs anymore. They just get a gun and rob you. Next week it could be your nephew."

Make the Call

Anyone with information may call detectives at 651-6728 or CrimeStoppers at 234-2020 . A reward of up to $2,500 is available for information leading to an arrest.

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Retaliate? Brilliant idea. Just keep on killing, maybe that will clear the streets of all the thugs and low-lifes. And for the victim, why not just hand over the $179 and a small amount of marijuana. Could have saved alot of pain and hospital bills...

You know, I've read articles in Slovanna News where the person gave all they had up and still lost their life. How sad for that one. But I am praying for this aspiring barber even with the drugs. He may have been given a second chance. This may change his life totally. God speed.